Lenny Kravitz to star as Marvin Gaye in biopic

Lenny Kravitz, who has had supporting roles in several films, is set to star… (Press Here Publicity )

Lenny Kravitz has been tapped to star as soul singer Marvin Gaye in an upcoming biopic, according to reports.

The film is the first lead role for Kravitz, who has played supporting roles in "The Hunger Games," “Precious” and the forthcoming White House drama “The Butler.”

According to Deadline, the biopic will focus on the early 1980s when the Motown legend was in Europe attempting to curb his addictions and reignite his career with the help of British music promoter Freddy Cousaert. Gaye was shot and killed by his father in Los Angeles in 1984.

Julien Temple is set to direct the film, which will be shot next year. Temple has helmed music videos for Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston and the Sex Pistols and documentaries on Glastonbury, the decay and industrial collapse of Detroit and the 2012 Summer Olympics.